keep reading.

My focus today is on the pile of books I have sitting at home waiting to be read.  New year, new pile.  Reading is a repeated process for me, so this stack I need to get thru is not a resolution.  More like inventory to prevent me from going to B&N and buying 6 more before these spines are bent.

Not the first time it would happen.

My late aunt Margaret was one of the most intellectual, beautiful people I’ve ever met.  I’ll blame my book obsession on her – and she would love it.  At a young age, she told me “keep reading, don’t ever stop”.  And that’s exactly what I did.

She always talked about making trips to the library for books, but the funny part is how many she had stashed at home.  Closets, end tables, bookshelves, cabinets, you name it – full of books.  A private library that would take decades to get thru, some even with plastic wrapping intact. Throughout the years, while she was feeding my hunger for good books, she was also inspiring my own collection.

A Nook or Kindle would probably solve my problem of storage space for these precious novels, but I’m not interested.  I need to feel the book.  I need to smell the paper, and turn the page.  It makes the activity an experience.  Why not a library?  Well, I like to stare at them when I’m done.  My husband always says the one thing I’d save in a fire are my books.  And he’s right.  My wonderfully creased, blemished, used books.

So, onto my list (so far) for 2016.  It includes the titles you see in the picture above:

Fall of Giants – Ken Follett
This is a beast of a book, but like any Follett, worth the read.  His novels are breathtaking and FOG is first in the Century Trilogy I’m about to conquer.  A great one to start in January when it’s cold outside and all you want is a blanket, hot chocolate and an adventure to dive into.
B&N – Fall of Giants

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear – Elizabeth Gilbert
I’m really excited about this one.  Non-fiction, said to be inspiring to creative minds, and something I can read along side my Follett novel.
B&N – Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini
This has actually been on my bookshelf for at least a year and I don’t know why I am avoiding it.  The Kite Runner struck me like a bolt of lightning – it was riveting and very real considering the political events we’re surrounded by today.  I fully expect the same from this and I’m sure I’ll recommend it when I’m finished.
B&N – A Thousand Splendid Suns

The Defining Decade – Meg Jay, PhD
I saw a former college classmate post about this on Facebook and I had to get my hands on it.  With few years left in my 20s, I’m open to all advice!
B&N – The Defining Decade

The Art Forger – B.A. Shapiro
Taken right from aunt Margaret’s bookshelf, never opened.  It combines the two things she loved most – art and books – which never disappoints.
B&N – The Art Forger

Strong Looks Better Naked – Khloe Kardashian
Yes, I’m going to read it.  Put aside your feelings for reality TV and hear me out.  It will be interesting to read about her life from her own perspective, right?  I’m going to give it a chance.
B&N – Strong Looks Better Naked

There you have it.  Hopefully this gets me to…June..?  I won’t last that long without visiting a book store.  They call me from a distance.

 

xoxo. a